Slow and Steady Wins the Race

Remember the fable about the tortoise and the hare? The hare got off to a zippy pace and seemed sure to win. But he didn't, did he? The tortoise, while naturally much slower than the hare, kept moving steadily toward the finish line and was able to cross first.

What's the take-home message of this fable? Slow and steady wins the race. To reach your weight-loss goals, you need to switch from the hare's mind-set to that of the tortoise. In other words, you must break the "all or nothing" mentality.

Do you start diets with superhuman resolve — determined to eschew temptation and work out seven days a week — only to fall off the wagon and give up hope?

Such an approach to anything — especially to your health — can be very appealing, even motivating. But I'm telling you right now that overreaching the most dangerous way to set out. Human beings are imperfect. When you do skip a workout or give in to temptation (something we all do), you're more likely to throw in the towel.

So start thinking like a tortoise. Pace yourself. Have a slice of pizza and take a day off now and then, but don't stray too far from the path that will lead you to your goals.

Want some extra TLC?

Working out is great, but if you really want results — you need daily support, motivation, and a personalized plan to keep you on track. Join Jillian and get everything you need!

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